Hometeam field hockey: Defense leads Spartans

Uxbridge High has started fast, beginning the week with a 5-0-1 record. That mark is more impressive given that starting goalie Gina Petrillo had been injured and the early-season opponents have been strong.

Defense has been a key, as evidenced by shutout victories last week over Nipmuc Regional and Northbridge High and a tie against undefeated Auburn. Uxbridge hadn’t beaten Nipmuc since the 1999 Central Mass. tournament.

“We lost three starters from last year and we knew we had work to do to fill their shoes, and this team has done exceptionally well,” coach Sheila Bernard said. “It’s a hardworking, close-knit group who push each other to do their best. The girls have speed, stickwork and the desire to do well.”

Losing Petrillo for a spell hurt, but the play of her replacement, left wing Hollie Sokoloski, eased the pain. Sokoloski didn’t allow any goals against Tantasqua Regional, Auburn, Nipmuc and Northbridge. Petrillo, a junior, returned in the Northbridge game and teamed with Sokoloski on the shutout, and yesterday she blanked David Prouty.

The work of the goalies has been made easier due to the scrappy play of the defenders.

Third-year starter Alex Jameson, a junior back, anchors the defense. Second-year starter Shelly Seagrave, a senior back and former soccer player, is adept at knowing how to read and stop opponents. Second-year starter Zoe Krouner, a sophomore back, is improving and sports an excellent stick. First-year starter Maddy Cullen, a junior sweep, is getting better each game.

The Spartans’ offense is sparked by senior forward Mickayla Holt, the scoring leader, who had a hat trick yesterday against Prouty. Holt is the player who most often moves the ball downfield, changing sides and using her stickwork to beat defenders. She has eight goals and two assists.

Second-year starter Caitie Francis, a right wing, crosses the ball with ease near the goal. Sokoloski adds speed and skill to the left wing spot. Both girls have two goals.

Third-year starter Sam Wise, who has moved from defense to center midfield, excels at both ends. Second-year starter Courtney Rogers, a junior midfielder, is a solid transition player. First-year starter Allie Volpe, a freshman forward/midfielder, is a quick learner with speed and quickness.

Fast start for Bernardians
Besides converting on the field, St. Bernard’s High has another goal this year — to make the district tournament. The Bernardians ended last week with a 3-1-1 record, so the goal is within reach.

“Our goal is to make districts and go further into the tournament than last year,” coach Catherine Maki said. “We currently have 10 seniors. Our experience and leadership have helped us be successful early on this season. We have a great schedule filled with quality opponents, and I am looking forward to watching my team complete and reach our goal.”

St. Bernard’s, which lost to Hopedale in last year’s tournament, has been known for its defense in recent seasons. This year’s squad is more offensive minded.

Junior forward Tarah Crowe is the team’s leading scorer. Her speed and innate ability to move the ball upfield have sparked the offense. She has five goals and three assists through five games.

Crowe anchors an experienced forward line that includes wing Haley Root and center forward Katie Keating. Root is a solid all-around player while Keating sports superior stick skills and a knack for good shots. Senior Mallory Babineau and sophomore Julia Bonica also see minutes on the forward line.

Junior Kylee Duteau starts at center midfield and spearheads the team’s offensive pressure. She makes her teammates better, has playmaking skills, and is a strong leader. The other starting midfielders are senior captain Kristin Buckley and junior Alicia Bizzotto. Also in the midfield mix are Samantha Battaini, Sarah Thibeault and Meghan McInnis. Each girl has good stick skills and is capable of strong hits.

Maki added that the offense has been given a big boost by the play of sophomore Molly Richard, an evolving first-year varsity player who has netted four goals.

St. Bernard’s retains its defensive toughness. Veterans Jill Schultz, a junior, and Abbie Anderson, a senior captain, are effective defenders who play the whole game. They have made many key stops and saves. Junior Mikayla Malboeuf and senior Mary DiConza round out the starting defensive line. Junior Riley McCobb also sees action on defense.

Senior Nicole Tessier is playing goal for the first time and has found her niche. Tessier notched 11 saves against potent Hopedale.